Can I make the Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! Simply swap the kirsch or cherry brandy for an equal amount of cherry juice or even a splash of cherry syrup. The flavor remains vibrant and kid-friendly.

How far in advance can I assemble the trifle?

You can prepare and assemble the trifle up to 24 hours ahead of serving. Just be sure to cover it tightly and refrigerate. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.

Can I use a different pudding flavor in the trifle?

Yes! Vanilla or even cherry-flavored pudding can work well in this recipe to add a new twist while keeping the creamy texture.

What’s the best type of chocolate cake for this trifle?

A moist and tender chocolate sheet cake or brownies work best. Avoid really dense cakes, as they can make the trifle too heavy and less balanced with the light whipped cream.

Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate

Description

A luscious and elegant Black Forest Trifle featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, cherry pie filling, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream, garnished with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings. Perfect chilled for a decadent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

One 9×13 chocolate cake or brownie (baked according to package or homemade recipe)

Cherry Layer

30 ounces cherry pie filling (approx 2 cups), store bought or homemade
4 ounces kirsch or cherry brandy, cherry liqueur, amaretto, or cherry juice for non-alcoholic version

Pudding

2 boxes chocolate pudding (90 grams each), prepared according to directions or homemade

Whipped Cream

1 ½ cups cold heavy whipping cream or double cream
2-4 tablespoons (15-30 grams) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Garnishing

Fresh cherries
Shaved chocolate
Chocolate sprinkles
Icing sugar or cocoa powder for dusting

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Instructions

Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake according to package directions or your homemade recipe instructions. Allow the cake to cool completely, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
Make the Pudding: Prepare the chocolate pudding using the package instructions or your homemade recipe. Let the pudding cool to room temperature.
Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Begin mixing on low speed until the mixture starts to thicken and increase in volume, then increase to medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Trifle: Place half of the cubed chocolate cake at the bottom of a trifle bowl, pressing down gently. Drizzle half of the kirsch or chosen liquid over the cake layer. Add half of the prepared chocolate pudding evenly over the cake, then spread half of the cherry pie filling on top. Top with half of the whipped cream. Repeat all layers once more, ending with the whipped cream layer.
Chill: Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 1-4 hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, decorate the top with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, chocolate sprinkles, and a light dusting of icing sugar or cocoa powder. Serve chilled.

Notes

Use cherry juice or amaretto instead of kirsch for a non-alcoholic or different flavor version.
Make the chocolate cake or brownies from scratch for a more personalized flavor or use your favorite boxed mix.
If desired, substitute whipped topping for whipped cream for easier preparation.
Chilling for longer than 4 hours or overnight improves flavor melding and texture.
For extra richness, fold some of the cherry juice into the pudding before layering.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 35 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg